(Saturday, July 21st: Touring: Golan Heights / Hashalom Overview / Bet Shean / Gideon Springs. Travel to Jerusalem and check in to Regency Hotel.)

Today was another incredible day as you'll see by the photos. Very hot (anywhere from 95 - 115 F) and lots of wonderful things to see and experience. But, coming into Jerusalem caught me by surprise.

I've wanted to travel to Israel ever since God spoke to me when I was 16 years old. As we were coming up the last little rise before the city came into view I wasn't thinking about anything in particular and a powerful emotional wave came over me and I began to quietly weep. It was like a huge relief to be "home". I'm not sure how to explain or define it and I'm not sure I need to, but it was powerful. Something inside me felt like I was in my Father's house. Maybe it's how Jacob felt when He sensed the presence of God and angels ascending and decending.

What shocked me out of that great time with God was arriving to do some shopping before going to the hotel. The last thing I want to think is shopping for trinkets. I hate trinkets. Tomorrow, hopefully, I will find Steve's friend in the Old City and begin some new relationships.

I wasn't in the hotel but a few minutes and I bumped into Corey Grinder, the gentleman who met me in Mongolia on my third trip. It was great catching up. He was in Japan (he lives there) when the last series of earthquakes hit. He mentioned it was pretty exciting.

The conference officially begins tomorrow night so keep checking this blog for further notes.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Chris